Michael Cox Jr. Appointed Acting Fire Chief

Anne Arundel County Executive Laura Neuman appointed Michael Cox Jr., who has more than 25 years of experience, as acting fire chief on Wednesday. The announcement came the same day as the retirement of former chief Robert Ray became active.

Ray, who held the position of chief since 2008 in Anne Arundel County, announced his plans to retire in early April so he could spend more time with his family.

Cox, an Edgewater resident, started his career in firefighting at the age of 16 when he joined the Woodland Beach Volunteer Fire Department.

He is a certified fire officer, an emergency medical technician-paramedic and an emergency services instructor. He also holds three degrees in fire and emergency services.

"Chief Cox has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to personal and professional development and brings a level of energy to the position that is critical to our County’s future," said Neuman, in a press release.